Phillips, Chapman, Rolen, more..

The Reds-A’s game is being shown on tape delay tonight at 11 pm ET on MLB Network. So between that and the Bearcats in the Big East finals, it’s a good sports night for Cincinnati perhaps.

Here are a few news and notes items to keep you updated:

*GM Walt Jocketty said he expected to meet with Brandon Phillips’ agents soon when they get to town. It’s been rather quiet on talks about an extension since the latter part of the off-season.

“They will be here this coming week,” Jocketty said Saturday. “That’s all I am going to say. There’s nothing more to talk about until I talk to them.”

*Aroldis Chapman’s two perfect innings on Friday vs. the Giants had good reports from pitching coach Bryan Price, who made the trip to Scottsdale to watch.

“Bryan said he had the best mechanics he’s seen since he’s been here,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said.

*3B Scott Rolen is batting .556 (5-for-9) with two RBIs in his first four games out here. It’s definitely being taken as a positive sign that Rolen and his left shoulder are healthy.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed, No. 1, that he stays healthy,” Baker said. “He’s looking better already this year than he was the whole year last year. He’s swinging with more freedom. I don’t see him wincing in pain or overall discomfort. You can see he’s happy about things.”

*INF Todd Frazier is at 1B today and has played there, LF and RF. He hasn’t played 3B yet. Offensively, Frazier is off to a decent start with a .286 (4-for-14) with two homers entering the day. Frazier has been trying to be aggressive at the plate.

“So far, so good,” Frazier said of his spring. “I came into camp with the understanding that I have to hit to play. I’m trying to get that first fastball and I am trying to drive it. If not, I’ll spit on it and not swing and live to see another day. I’ve had three or four at-bats where I’ve swung at the first pitch and put it into play and got a couple of hits out of it.”

*Baker has usual SS Zack Cozart in the DH spot today. It has nothing to do with the achy right arm Cozart had earlier this week.

“I have him DHing so he can get four at-bats without having to play nine innings,” Baker said. “Cozart said he’s feeling good. Jay Bruce will DH tomorrow and get four at-bats.”

*There are lots of national-type reporters here at Phoenix Municipal Stadium today. It’s the debut of OF Yoenis Cespedes, the latest Cuban defector.

Archives

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.